I trained as a nursery nurse, one of the people on my course posted a status calling a girl she didn't like a 'downy' and I happily reported her to my tutor. Apparently I wasn't the only one either. I wouldn't trust someone to be around children if they think that kind of bigotry is acceptable.

I might have messaged her, I wouldn't have commented. She may not know. I've called loads of children onc alling each other retards and they are always really surprised to find out what they are saying, they think it's another word for stupid (not that I'm ok with them calling each other stupid either!)

I know adults should know better but I'm not talking about young children and if you don't get told then I guess you never find out.

true. Though your comment won't help her if she doesn't know, she'll think you're referring to 'fucking' rather than 'retard'.

Reminds me of a kid I taught when I was working in a very religious school. We were on a bus and he shouted, "Jesus H Christ, look at that tractor."(city estate, they didn't get out much!) I raised my eyebrows and just said 'language!' and he looked at me bemused and said "which word was wrong? Is tractor swearing?" I couldn't help laughing.

So I think calling people on things is fine but I always explain why, not just say they're being disgusting, especially as you quoted that "fucking retard" was disgusting, not "retard" and mosre people would think of "fucking" as being the inappropriate word.

And I would choose to message because, assuming the person doesn't know, it could be embarrassing for them to be calle don it publicy.